Remembering the lives lost in Hurricane Camille

Today marks the anniversary that Hurricane Camille made landfall, killing over 250 people.

Camille has been named the second most intense hurricane to hit the continental U.S.

It’s been 54 years since Hurricane Camille washed up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, however, her memorial is held in honor of three women who fell victim on that fateful day.

Faith, Hope, and Charity, those are the names given to three unidentified women who died when the category five hurricane made landfall.

Former Harrison County Emergency Management Director Rupert Lacy, who was 11 when Camille hit, explains what these three women represent. “You have to ask why the good lord let something like this to happen, but it builds back that resilience of people. The Coast had that slogan to build back, and it did build back. It built back better. But then we had those speed bumps with other storms or other disasters. It should humble us again, and then we pick up the pieces, and we move forward again.”

Each name and person represent the resilience the Coast has during storms like these and must continue to have in the future.

These women continue to teach generations about what’s important when we’ve lost everything. Harrison County EMA Director Matt Stratton said, “I think the big lesson for me when it comes to this ceremony, these unidentified ladies, and Hurricane Camille is that it’s all about the people. We want to protect the people. Protect life and their safety. We can replace possessions and property. Things can be replaced, but people cannot.”

While Faith, Hope, and Charity are leaving a long legacy, there is still hope to one day find their names. “There’s been some talk possibly about checking DNA and all that, but we don’t know if they were identified if their families would do anything.”

The graves include height, weight, and clothing found on them. If you believe you know anything about any of these women, you’re encouraged to call Harrison County Coroner’s Office.